The very narrow, linear leaves are arranged in whorls of 4–6 with short internodes.

The Latin specific epithet verticillata is in reference to the leaves appearing in whorls.

[4] This species can reproduce vegetatively and does not depend on pollinators, but it does produce some nectar, mostly in the early evening hours.

Insect visitors to the plant include wasps, honeybees, and lepidopterans such as moths and the cabbage white.

The Choctaw used it to treat snakebite, the Lakota and Hopi used it to increase breast milk in nursing mothers, and the Navajo used it for nose and throat problems.